July 29, 2025, 4:12 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
Many cat owners report that their pets can sense when something is wrong with them—physically or emotionally. But is there really something to it? Do cats sense when we are in pain, sick, or even near death? As a Ph.D. biologist and expert in feline behavior, PETBOOK editor Saskia Schneider delves into this question and examines the remarkable abilities of our pets.
My two cats can sometimes be quite demanding in everyday life, but as soon as I am in pain, both exhibit completely different behavior. Especially during migraine attacks, my cat, Nairobi, actively seeks my company and lies down next to me. She does this when I am sad or when something deeply moves me, and I am stressed. Sweety, on the other hand, withdraws or sometimes snuggles up to me and purrs loudly. Like many other cat owners, I am convinced: Our own cat senses when we are in pain and when we are not well. But what does current research say?
Why Our Cats’ Senses Are So Much More Sensitive
Cats are naturally highly specialized hunters—and their sensory abilities reflect this. Their hearing extends to frequencies of about 64,000 hertz, far beyond human hearing. Their sense of smell is also impressive: With around 200 million scent cells (humans have only about 5 million) and an additionally developed vomeronasal organ, they can perceive chemical signals—called pheromones—that are completely odorless to us.
But that’s not all: Their vision is optimized for movement and nocturnal activity, and their vibrissae (whiskers) serve as highly sensitive motion and spatial sensors. All these abilities make them not only silent hunters but also extremely attentive observers of their environment—and the people they live with. 1
Do Cats Sense Human Pain?
Unfortunately, there are no targeted studies that have examined this question. However, there is increasing evidence that cats can perceive changes in their humans’ behavior, smell, or even body language that indicate pain or illness. Studies show that cats can distinguish emotions like anger or joy based on facial expressions and tone of voice—and respond accordingly. 2
When we are in pain, not only does our behavior change, but also our voice, movements, and smell. Cats perceive these signals with their sharp senses—even if they do not specifically “understand” what is wrong with us, they notice that something is amiss. 3
How Cats React to Human Pain
Cats’ reactions to human pain vary individually. Some cats become clingy, deliberately lie on painful areas, purr, or show increased affection. Others observe from a distance but appear more attentive than usual. Some cats even mirror their humans’ behavior: When we are quiet or downcast, they also withdraw.
Particularly noteworthy is purring: It is not only an expression of well-being but also a potential healing impulse. Certain frequencies of cat purring have been shown in studies to promote healing—they support bone regeneration, relieve pain, lower blood pressure, and calm the nervous system.
Can Cats Sense Illnesses?
Numerous cat owners report that their cat exhibited unusual behavior—often weeks or months before a serious illness was diagnosed. Whether cancer, heart problems, or hormonal changes: All these conditions alter the body’s chemical composition. Cats can presumably smell these changes. 4
Particularly, tumor tissue releases specific breakdown products that are odorless to humans but detectable by cats. Behavioral changes such as unusual fatigue or altered movement patterns are also registered by cats—they know our routines and notice when something is off. 5
Can dogs fake illness?
Why Dogs Smell Our Breath and What It Reveals to Them
Can Cats Sense When Someone Is About to Die?
There are many reports of cats that did not leave the side of a dying person in their final days or hours. A well-known example is Oscar, the nursing home cat from Rhode Island, who repeatedly predicted the imminent death of patients by lying down with them. 6
There are several scientific explanations for this: On one hand, dying people might emit specific pheromones or scents that cats can detect. On the other hand, body temperature changes in the final hours of life—a possible sensory cue for cats. Their close emotional bond with humans certainly plays a role as well.
Conclusion: Cats Sense Pain, Illnesses, and Even Impending Death
Cats possess fascinating abilities when it comes to perceiving their humans’ well-being. With their highly developed senses, their intuition for routines, and their social intelligence, they manage to sense pain, illnesses, and even impending death—even if they do not understand exactly what is happening. Their reactions may vary—from closeness and comfort to withdrawal—but they express a deep, often underestimated connection.
About the Author
Dr. Saskia Schneider is a Ph.D. biologist. During her studies at the Free University of Berlin, she focused primarily on zoology and animal behavior. In addition to training as an editor, she completed training as a behavior consultant with a focus on cats.